Kuala Lumpur (VNA) – Malaysia is keen to learn from the European Union’s (EU) experience in establishing a connected energy grid as ASEAN intensifies efforts to realise the ASEAN Power Grid (APG).
Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, who is also Minister of Energy Transition and Water Transformation, said the EU has a comprehensive model of cross-border electricity exchange, which could help ASEAN member states anticipate and address regulatory, financial and technical challenges.
Fadillah said Malaysia is also looking to establish a dedicated workshop with EU counterparts to explore practical solutions for ASEAN, ranging from harmonised regulations to financing frameworks.
He believed that ASEAN – EU cooperation could help fast-track a more integrated regional power grid, noting that ASEAN already has a pilot case of cross-border electricity trade through the Laos-Thailand-Malaysia-Singapore (LTMS) power integration project, which can serve as a foundation for other projects.
The official added that a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to enhance regional cooperation on the APG will be signed at the upcoming ASEAN Energy Ministers’ Meeting.
According to Fadillah, cooperation between ASEAN and the EU would also enable Malaysia and other ASEAN member nations to adopt proven solutions while avoiding the potential pitfalls faced by others./.
Malaysia, Poland eye stronger ASEAN-EU partnership
At their meeting, the two leaders also discussed ASEAN-EU cooperation and appreciated the results achieved, especially the progress in the negotiations of the ASEAN-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA).
